Sweet, tangy, and utterly irresistible, this Cranberry Chicken Recipe is a vibrant main course that always sparks excitement at the dinner table. Bursting with the jewel-toned glow of cranberries and made with a handful of pantry staples, it weaves together savory and tart flavors in a way that feels both festive and comforting. Whether you’re serving a weeknight family meal or gathering friends for a special occasion, this dish is destined to become a beautiful new tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about a recipe that relies on just a few approachable ingredients—each one playing an important role in both flavor and texture. In this Cranberry Chicken Recipe, the combination of sweet, savory, and tangy ensures you get a memorable bite every single time.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, offering lean protein and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps to sear the chicken for enhanced flavor.
Salt: Seasons the chicken and brings out the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
Black pepper: Offers a mild kick and balances the sweet and savory notes.
Whole berry cranberry sauce: The tart-sweet backbone and pop of color that makes this recipe shine.
French or Russian salad dressing: Adds irresistible tang and body to the luscious sauce.
Dry onion soup mix: Enriches the dish with savory depth and a hint of umami.
Dijon mustard (optional): For those who love a little extra zing, a spoonful gives more complexity.
Brown sugar (optional): Boosts sweetness and helps balance the cranberries’ tartness.
Chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh, herbaceous touch that looks gorgeous sprinkled on top.

How to Make Cranberry Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—this ensures even, gentle cooking. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil or a quick spritz of nonstick spray, so your chicken won’t stick and cleanup will be a breeze.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Take those boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with salt and black pepper. For next-level flavor, heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high, then briefly sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side. This optional step creates a golden crust on the outside that locks in juiciness—totally worth the quick effort!

Step 3: Mix the Magic Sauce

In a medium bowl, stir together the whole berry cranberry sauce, French or Russian salad dressing, dry onion soup mix, and if you’re feeling adventurous, Dijon mustard and brown sugar. The result is a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce that pours over the chicken and transforms it into something truly special.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Nestle your chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish and pour the cranberry mixture right over the top, making sure every inch gets coated in that beautiful sauce. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and let it bake uncovered another 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and fragrant.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once the chicken is out of the oven, give it a final flourish with chopped parsley to add freshness and a pop of color. The contrast of green against the ruby-red cranberry sauce is simply stunning—your table will look as good as it smells!

How to Serve Cranberry Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t skimp on the finishing touches! Freshly chopped parsley is classic, but you can also sprinkle on a handful of toasted slivered almonds or a little orange zest for a zingy twist. Even a dash of cracked black pepper can give your Cranberry Chicken Recipe that restaurant-worthy look.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes, simple white rice, or even fluffy couscous to soak up every bit of the fruity sauce. Roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans add color and crunch for a delicious, balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, slice the chicken on a platter and spoon the vibrant sauce all around for a stunning centerpiece. Alternatively, serve the sauce in a small pitcher at the table and let guests pour it themselves—such a fun, interactive way to enjoy your Cranberry Chicken Recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle and deepen overnight, so your next-day lunch will be just as delightful—if not more so!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Cranberry Chicken Recipe! Simply cool the chicken and sauce completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). You can also gently reheat individual portions in the microwave—just add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work beautifully in this Cranberry Chicken Recipe—the extra richness from dark meat is fantastic, and you may find they’re even more juicy.

What type Main Course

Both French and Russian salad dressings bring tangy, sweet notes, but you can experiment with Catalina or even Thousand Island if that’s what you have on hand; each will lend a slightly different twist.

Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 4–5 hours. The slow, gentle heat results in fork-tender chicken and a sauce that’s even more luscious.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This Cranberry Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the labels on your dry onion soup mix and salad dressing—many brands offer gluten-free options these days, making it easy to adapt.

What’s the best way to know if the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is ready when its juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer. This ensures your Cranberry Chicken Recipe is both safe and perfectly juicy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly bridges the gap between cozy comfort and show-stopping flavor, this Cranberry Chicken Recipe deserves a home in your kitchen. It’s a celebration of sweet and savory—the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and let it become your new go-to for easy, memorable dinners!

Cranberry Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cranberry Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special holiday meal. Tender chicken breasts are baked to perfection in a luscious cranberry sauce, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cranberry Sauce:

1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup French or Russian salad dressing
1/2 packet dry onion soup mix
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

Garnish:

Chopped parsley

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Season and sear the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet with olive oil until lightly browned.
Prepare the cranberry mixture: Combine cranberry sauce, salad dressing, onion soup mix, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar in a bowl.
Bake: Place chicken in the baking dish, pour cranberry mixture over the top, cover with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.